The enquiry committee set up the Tamil Nadu government to probe the killings in Tuticorin during the anti-Sterlite protets took charge on 5 June under the leadership of retired High Court (HC) judge Aruna Jagadeesan.
The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday, 30 May, submitted that 12 of the 13 persons who were killed in the protests died due to bullet injuries sustained from the police firing on 22 May. The 13th person reportedly died due to concussions.
- UN Condemns Disproportionate Use of Police Force
- The Madras High Court has sought a reply from the Tamil Nadu government by 6 June
Enquiry Committee to Probe Tuticorin Killings Comes into Force
The enquiry committee formed by Tamil Nadu government to probe the Tuticorin killings took charge on 4 June. Retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan has been appointed to head the one-woman enquiry committee. Addressing media persons, Jagadeesan said, “All information and statements will be recorded by 22 June. All media outlets should submit unedited videos to the head office in Chennai. If not, can submit in Tuticorin.”
I’m going to the hospital to meet the injured. Their statements will be taken & those who can’t come to court to record their statements, we’ll make arrangements for court people to go to them to record their statements.Aruna Jagadeesan, Head of Tuticorin Enquiry Committee
She reassured that the investigation will be fair and unbiased. She said that a spot visit will be undertaken to the Sterlite plant, Collectorate and areas where violence took place.
NHRC Team Visits Tuticorin
A team of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) visited Tuticorin and met the District Collector and families affected due to the firing during the Sterlite protests.
Later, the team also visited the General Hospital to meet the injured.
UN Condemns Disproportionate Use of Police Force
Human rights experts from the United Nations have condemned the apparent disproportionate use of force by the police against protesters in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin, over health and environmental concerns arising out of the copper smelting plant, which led to the death of 13 people.
The Office of the High Commissioner of the United Nations Human Rights issued a detailed statement. Here is the full text:
‘We are extremely concerned by the apparent disproportionate and excessive use of force, including the use of live ammunition, against protesters marching to raise legitimate human rights and environmental concerns.’
“We call on the Indian authorities to carry out an independent and transparent investigation, without delay, and to ensure that perpetrators of human rights violations be held accountable,” the statement adds.
Madras HC Directs TN Police to Not Disturb Family of Missing Accused
The Madras High Court on Friday, 1 June directed the Tamil Nadu police to not disturb the families of the accused, who have been missing, in the “name of enquiry”.